Hello, I'm Kenneth
Nice to meet you.
Education is the defining thread of my life, as a student, teacher, parent, volunteer, and advocate.
IN BRIEF
- 22-Year Barrhaven Resident & OCDSB Parent
- Dedicated Local Community Volunteer
- 10+ Years as a Former Educator
- 20-Year Federal Public Service Career
- Experienced Financial Management Specialist
For 22 years, my wife and I have proudly called Barrhaven home, where we have raised our two children, both of whom attended OCDSB schools.
Like many of you, I have a deeply personal stake in the quality of education our children receive and in building a strong future for our schools and our community.
As a parent, long-time community volunteer, former educator, dedicated public servant, and financial management professional, I bring a combination of first-hand experience, practical knowledge, and financial expertise to the trustee table.
I am running for OCDSB Trustee because I believe our students, families, and educators deserve strong and accountable leadership, a clear focus on student success, transparent governance, and responsible financial management.
Our schools are our community's future.
I am ready to listen, to work hard, and to deliver for Barrhaven.
Connected to Our Schools
My dedication to our schools is not just professional; it is personal. My involvement in education spans every level of learning:
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School Council Participation
Served as a School Council Member and as a Community Representative with the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC) has given me direct insight into classroom needs, school board operations, and family priorities.
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Multicultural & Language Learning
Served as a Board Director and Adviser for the Ottawa Chinese Language School charity, championing international language and cultural education.
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Youth Empowerment
Mentored youth as a featured speaker for local Youth Leadership Projects, inspiring students to engage with their communities.
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Foundational Teaching Background
Built my foundation in education by earning a BA from a teachers' university and completing a high school History teaching internship before moving to Ottawa.
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Parent Perspective
Raised two local OCDSB students, giving me a personal stake in student success.
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10+ Years in University/College Teaching
Taught business courses for over a decade at Carleton University, Algonquin College, and the University of Ottawa, guiding higher education policy and student development.
Serving Barrhaven Beyond the Classroom
Excellent schools thrive within safe, connected, and supportive communities.
My commitment to Barrhaven extends beyond our schools through active leadership in local community initiatives, youth programs, and volunteer organizations.
STONEBRIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
As Director of Safety, Security, Transportation, and Community Development, I work closely with residents, municipal staff, and city councillors to address the everyday priorities of Barrhaven families, from traffic safety and transportation improvements to parks, community spaces, and responsible neighbourhood development.
My community involvement also includes:
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Barrhaven Food Cupboard
Volunteering to support a simple but important principle: neighbours helping neighbours.
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Youth Athletics & Leadership
Co-organizing four youth dragon boat teams each year for the Ottawa International Dragon Boat Festival (one of Ottawa's largest charitable sporting events), helping young people build teamwork, confidence, leadership skills, and community spirit.
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Youth Sports
Served multiple times as Team Treasurer for the Maverick Volleyball Club, supporting opportunities for young athletes to participate, compete, and grow.
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Community & Civic Governance
Bringing strong financial stewardship and governance experience through service as a former Treasurer of a local electoral district association.
These experiences have reinforced an important lesson: effective leadership begins with listening, building partnerships, and delivering practical solutions. That is the approach I will bring as OCDSB Trustee, working collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community to build strong schools and a stronger Barrhaven.
Bring Financial Stewardship to OCDSB
Restoring financial stability and transparent governance to the OCDSB requires more than good intentions: it requires real financial expertise. With a provincial supervisor appointed to oversee board operations following consecutive deficits and depleted reserves, the path forward demands disciplined oversight.
Having served 20 years in the Canadian federal public service across three departments specializing in financial management, budgeting & planning, financial reporting & control, governance and policy, and economic analysis, I bring proven practical background and fiscal stewardship needed to tackle these challenges head-on.
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Proven Public-Sector Stewardship
Two decades managing government financial operations and navigating complex budgets without sacrificing core services.
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Protecting Classroom Resources
Managing every tax dollar responsibly to support teachers, programs, and student achievement.
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Transparent Governance
Ensuring open decision-making and clear reporting to parents and community members.
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Advanced Financial Credentials
Holding a Ph.D., MBA, and CFA designation, alongside peer-reviewed research, providing the analytical rigor required for complex board budgets.
MY COMMITMENT TO BARRHAVEN
My Commitment to Barrhaven
Being a school trustee is about more than attending meetings: it is about listening to families, asking the right questions, and taking responsibility for the decisions that shape our children's future.
I BELIEVE
- Students deserve safe, inclusive, inspiring, and high-quality learning environments where they can thrive.
- Parents deserve transparent governance, meaningful engagement, open dialogue, and a genuine voice in decision-making.
- Educators deserve the strong support and resources they need to help students succeed.
- Taxpayers deserve responsible fiscal management, transparency & accountability, and value for every dollar.
- Our community deserves strong public schools that serve as connected, welcoming hubs for local families and a trustee who listens, communicates, and delivers.
Together, let's build a stronger future for Barrhaven students, families and schools.
Students First.
Families Heard.
Staff Supported.
Community Involved.
Financially Strong.